Chicago has confirmed the 50 finalists for the "You Name A Snowplow" contest, a recent press release from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office said.

The contest was first announced in December by Lightfoot and the City’s Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), which encouraged Chicago residents to think of unique snowplow names. 

The top six names will be chosen by vote from city residents and designated to six snowplows, one in each of Chicago's six snow districts; the press release said.

"Chicago is known for its unique culture, arts and history, and it’s no surprise that our residents really came through with unique and creative names for our first snow plow naming contest," Lightfoot said in the press release. "We thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the thousands of submissions we received, and we are proud to announce the finalists for the next phase of the contest."

The mayor also believed that knowledge of snow in the Chicago area would come through to help residents come up with names. 

“Chicago knows snow, and we count on our snowplows and their drivers to be here for us every winter making sure the roads are safe and passable for motorists, emergency vehicles, and public transportation,” Lightfoot said in December's news release. “I’m thrilled to begin this fun and exciting naming process for our vitally important fleet of snow vehicles.”

The first phase of the contest has now been completed. The length of submitted names was capped at 50 characters and had to be submitted by Jan. 6, the December release said.

The DSS has now selected 50 contending names, and residents have until Jan. 31 to cast their votes; the press release said. Once the winners are chosen, residents will be able to observe the named snowplows during snow storms using the City's snowplow tracker.